Multi-country Programme for Strengthening Trade Capacities (PRCC): support to MSMEs and professional organisations, and launch of bottleneck studies

In March 2025, COLEAD signed a new contract with the French Development Agency (AFD) under the Trade Capacity Building Programme (PRCC). The programme aims to contribute to poverty reduction and to the improvement of food security and nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the development of a fairer, safer and more sustainable agricultural sector.

The specific objective of the PRCC is to support smallholders, farmer organisations and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in maintaining and improving their access to national, regional and international horticultural markets, by strengthening their skills and practices and promoting the adoption of safe and sustainable technologies.

The programme is implemented over a period of 33 months, from 20 March 2025 to 31 December 2027, in seven countries: Madagascar, Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Togo, Benin and Guinea.

Main achievements as of mid-November 2025

Result 1 – Support to MSMEs

Thirty-six MSMEs have already submitted an application for support (out of a target of 40). Applications are currently under review with a view to signing development projects. All the MSMEs concerned already benefit from support packages under the FFM+ programme; the PRCC will enable them to access enhanced, tailor-made support through customised projects.

Result 2 – Support to professional organisations (BMOs)

Six professional organisations have applied for support (target: 10). Applications are under assessment and will lead to the implementation of tailor-made support projects.

Result 3 – Bottleneck studies and public–private dialogue

Seven bottleneck studies are currently being carried out in the targeted countries. They are based on a participatory approach involving key stakeholders in the horticultural sector (kick-off meetings, identification and prioritisation of constraints, support from national consultants, and final presentation of results). All studies are expected to be finalised by March 2026.

This activity is supported by the Trade Capacity Building Program (TCBP), implemented by COLEAD, with financial support from the French Republic through the French Development Agency (AFD). This communication has been produced with the financial support of AFD. Its content is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the position of AFD.